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Sorry, I’m entering stupid questions territory here, but a bonus how? Are they cheaper than aircon? More efficient? Or does it get hot enough that aircon alone isn’t enough keep you cool? I don’t think I’ve ever seen an electric ceiling fan irl and I only experience air conditioning in shops.
Ceiling fans use very little electricity and can help keep you cool. It won't do anything much if it's like 100 degrees out but it helps especially at more reasonable summer temperatures. They are good for circulating air and can help with heating as well. Source: there's a ceiling fan behind my couch and it makes me super cold sometimes.
Thank you for the insight! As it gets hotter and hotter in the UK I wonder if electric ceiling fans will be a more realistic proposition than air con? Most houses don’t have the type of windows you can stick an AC unit in and I imagine it’s really expensive to install and run the “proper” ones.
It isn't terribly expensive to install what's called split unit air conditioners. They aren't a cheap stopgap solution like window units, but if sized properly for the space/insulation level they actually work very well.
Don't fall prey to the temptation of floor/portable AC units, though; they are terribly inefficient. Both window and split unit AC are significantly more efficient options and with split units you can even get heat pump models which will not only cool, but also heat your home more efficiently than any other heat source.
I'm a big proponent of the AC-plus-ceiling fan method, since you don't have to use the AC as much to feel quite comfortable.
Most houses don’t have the type of windows you can stick an AC unit in
Might have better luck with the ones called “portable” air conditioners. The whole units don’t sit in the window, just the hose with an adjustable filler piece to create a seal.
Sorry, I forgot to reply to this. Thanks for the info! Sash windows aren’t the most common type in the UK unfortunately. The majority of windows open outwards from the top or side. If you live in a flat like I do, your windows also open outwards but only a few centimetres. I’m not sure it would be possible to create a temporary seal around the hose bit. I think the majority of UK homes will be dependent on fans and ceiling fans.
My thoughts exactly. I've even been drawing up a short list of them. Portables aren't very feasible in our flat either.
You reminded me to reply to the portable suggestion - yeah, I can’t see how it would work in my flat either. Are electric ceiling fans more efficient than standard fans, do you know?
Apart from using less electricity, I don't know but will keep on researching.